David Baker: Comfort Over Expectations in Poker

David Baker, a seasoned poker player, has always preferred cash games over tournaments, especially mix-games. He finds that tournaments, particularly those with No-Limit Texas Hold'em (NL), are not as profitable for him. Baker decided to play the LAPC final table because the tournament started on a Saturday, allowing him to miss only one cash session. He also mentioned that satellite tournaments are key to the success of major poker events, as they attract a wider range of players.

Baker was born on July 14, 1972, in Connecticut. His family moved frequently due to his father's work in the oil business. This constant relocation became a good school for Baker, teaching him adaptability. Initially, Baker wanted to become an engineer but switched to finance after realizing he disliked electrical engineering. His introduction to gambling started with his father taking him to horse races and later to Las Vegas, where his parents brought home a deck of cards and a strategy guide for blackjack. This early exposure to strategy likely influenced his later interest in poker.

Baker's first poker experience was playing Stud $2/$5 in Biloxi. He immediately fell in love with the game, although he can't remember the outcome of that session. After college, Baker moved to New Orleans and started working in insurance sales. Near his apartment was a casino on a boat, where he began playing stud and later hold'em. A friend suggested he try Limit Omaha $10/$20 and $15/$30, which he initially struggled with but quickly mastered.